Causes of Deterioration

Stained glass windows are very fragile and breakable objects. Glass, like all other outward-facing parts of a building, be it protected by storm-windows or not, is subject to the influences of climate and the wear of the window's mechanical uses. Although glass and lead are chemically very durable materials, they are still affected by acid rain, nitric oxide and other harmful emissions as well as condensation and dust.

With time, these forces wear away at the surface of the glass in a process called glass-corrosion. Layers of paint are loosened, if not completely eroded away.

Lead fatigues over time, a process that is accelerated if panels are oversized and not properly supported, causing additional stress on the lead matrix. If not installed correctly, the weight of upper panels can put pressure on the lower part of the window causing buckling, bulging and eventually breakage.

Loss of Building Heritage   1
What are Stained Glass Windows   2
Signs of Deterioration   3
> The Causes of Deterioration <   4
The Solution   5